Tilak meticulously wrote Bhagavad-Gita Rahasya in pencil, in his own handwriting, during his imprisonment at Mandalay Jail from 1908 to 1914. Remarkably, he completed the more than 400-page manuscript in less than four months, an achievement widely regarded as extraordinary. Although the writing was finished in the early years of his incarceration, the book was only published in 1915, following his return to Poona (Pune).
Tilak's approach is rooted in the Mimamsa school of interpretation, through which he systematically examines each verse of the Gita to establish that righteous action (karma) is superior to mere knowledge (jnana) or devotion (bhakti). He asserts that Lord Krishna's teachings encourage individuals to actively engage in their responsibilities without attachment to personal gains, making the Gita a scripture of dynamic action rather than passive renunciation.
The English translation of Bhagavad-Gita Rahasya, also known as Karma-Yoga Shastra or the "Science of Right Action," is a profound work originally composed in Marathi by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1915. This first volume offers a deep, esoteric interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, analyzing its verses through the Mimamsa philosophical framework. Tilak's work emphasizes Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action) as the core teaching of the Gita, challenging the conventional focus on renunciation. Through this philosophical lens, he presents a compelling argument that the Gita urges individuals to actively engage in righteous duties rather than withdraw from worldly responsibilities.
In his work, Tilak passionately defends the ethical obligation to action (Karma Yoga), emphasizing that as long as an action is performed selflessly and without personal motive, it remains aligned with righteousness. He argues ques that the Bhagavad Gita's true essence lies in advocating the path of action, rather than focusing solely on knowledge (Jnana Yoga) or devotion (Bhakti Yoga).
Reflecting on his interpretation of the Gita, Tilak once stated: "Various commentators have put as many interpretations on the book, and surely the writer or composer could not have written or composed the book for so many interpretations being put on it. He must have but one meaning and one purpose running through the book, and that I have tried to find out."
Through this perspective, Tilak underscores that all yogic paths ultimately serve Karma Yoga, reinforcing his belief that the Gita is a call to action rather than renunciation. Tilak's Bhagavadgita Rahasya remains an essential contribution to Indian philosophy, inspiring generations with its call to duty, patriotism, and selfless service. Through this work, he reinforces the belief that action rooted in righteousness leads to both spiritual and societal progress, making it a guiding light for individuals and nations alike.
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